I recently picked up climbing and, as with any new hobby, one of the first things I got excited about (besides clinging to rocks for dear life) was figuring out what to wear. While I’m still learning the ropes—literally—I’ve been collecting outfit inspiration from badass female climbers online. Here are some of my favorite looks that mix function, comfort, and a little bit of style flair for the wall.
🧗♀️ How to Pick a Good Climbing Outfit (for Indoors):
- Stretchy, Flexible Fabrics
Comfort and movement are key—go for leggings, joggers, or bike shorts that stretch well. Look for materials like spandex or elastane blends. - Fitted, Not Floppy
Avoid baggy clothes that might catch on holds. Fitted tops and bottoms stay put while you’re reaching, twisting, or dyno-ing. - Moisture-Wicking is Your Friend
Gyms can get sweaty. Choose breathable, quick-drying fabrics to stay comfortable while you climb and rest between attempts. - High-Waisted Bottoms = No Tugging
High-rise leggings or shorts stay in place and work well with harnesses if you’re doing top rope. No sliding down mid-climb! - Simple Tops with Full Arm Mobility
Tank tops, fitted T-shirts, or crop tops that don’t restrict shoulder movement are great. Racerbacks are a climber favorite. - Climbing Shoes Matter Most
Good shoes make a big difference. Try a rental pair first, but if you’re committing to the hobby, invest in a snug (not painful!) pair of climbing shoes. - Minimal Extras
Skip jewelry, watches, or anything that can snag or scratch. A chalk bag is useful even indoors, especially if you have sweaty hands. - Hair Up, Secure and Out of the Way
Braids, buns, or ponytails help keep your hair from getting in your eyes—or caught in the rope. - Trim Nails for Better Grip
Short nails help you feel more confident on small holds and edges (plus you won’t risk breaking one mid-climb!). - Express Your Style!
Indoors is a safe place to have fun with colors, prints, and sporty-chic combos. You can climb hard and look cool doing it.
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